Sinn Féin - On Your Side

Kenny acts “Braveheart” on Scotland but “faint heart” on North after Brexit - Carthy

Sinn Féin MEP Matt Carthy has accused Taoiseach Enda Kenny of acting as “Braveheart” on Scotland but as a “faint heart” in relation to the North in the wake of Brexit.

Speaking this evening at a public meeting in Monaghan Town, where he was joined by MEP for the North Martina Anderson, and Cavan/Monaghan TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, Mr Carthy also repeated his party’s call for a referendum on Irish unity.

Matt Carthy said:

“Over the past decade the EU has spent over £1 billion in the North and border areas on projects for furthering the peace process. These funds may well be lost as a result of Brexit.

“Between 2007 and 2013 the total amount of EU funding to farmers and rural areas in the North amounted to €3.47 billion (£2.5 billion).

“Does anyone believe that a Tory Government in London will replace the vital funding to farmers and rural communities which has been lost as a result of Brexit?

“Of course, people in the North of Ireland - nationalist and unionist - like those in Scotland, voted to remain within the European Union.

“It is vitally important now that there is maximum co-operation between the Northern Executive and the Irish Government to uphold their democratic wishes.

“For English votes to drag the North out of the EU, against the will of its people, would be a travesty.

"The only realistic way to prevent this is through the unity of this island. That is why Sinn Féin is campaigning for a unity poll, as provided for under the Good Friday Agreement.

"This can focus people’s minds on articulating their views on the future of this island.

“The Irish government now has to think for the whole island of Ireland. It has a responsibility to defend the Good Friday Agreement and its political institutions, which Brexit clearly threatens.

“The Government and Fianna Fáil have been quick to talk about respecting the rights of Scotland.

“I am sure the people of Scotland are delighted to see Enda Kenny adopt the role of a latter day ‘Braveheart’ on their behalf.

“However, he is acting as a faint heart when it comes to the North of Ireland.

"Many of Mr Kenny’s fellow Irish citizens across the North are asking themselves what it will take to get the Taoiseach stand up for them and their democratic decision?”

Mr Carthy also announced a 'Day of Action' by Sinn Féin in border constituencies tomorrow in support of a Unity Poll.

Party activists will deliver thousands of leaflets bearing the message 'Better Together' in town centres in the border counties.